Skip to main content

Poynter Institute WhatsApp bot will fact-check coronavirus claims; 4000 hoaxes

A Poynter Institute WhatsApp bot will provide a simple way to fact-check coronavirus claims which users might otherwise forward …

Since January, IFCN’s CoronavirusFacts Alliance has been utilizing the capacity of the fact-checking community to help users to sort truth from fiction by debunking falsehoods around the COVID-19 pandemic. The IFCN chatbot will allow users to search for fact checks and get connected with fact-checkers in their countries from their smartphones. The chatbot will also serve as a way to direct people to their local fact-checkers’ websites.

TNW reports that more than 4,000 hoaxes have so far been identified.

Poynter Institute’s International Fact-Checkers Network (IFCN) is launching a bot on WhatsApp to curb fake information related to coronavirus. The bot‘s aim is to let people quickly check myths about the disease in 70 countries.

IFCN said 80 fact-checking organizations from 74 countries have identified more than 4,000 coronavirus-related hoaxes since January. The new bot makes it easier for you to search through these myth-busters. You can search for terms like “Masks” or “Garlic” to get related fact-checks.

Getting access to the bot is simple:

You’ll then get a menu which includes options to see the latest fact-checks, search by keyword, and see tips on fighting misinformation. The bot also links to other validated fact-checking organizations.

WhatsApp gave the Poynter Institute a $1M grant to help with the initiative.

WhatsApp owner Facebook last month boosted safeguards designed to limit the spread of coronavirus misinformation on the platform and said last week that the measure has proven effective. Apple has also played its part by launching its own COVID-19 app and by promoting official government apps.

One particularly dumb coronavirus hoax resulted in phone masts being set alight.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Disco Elysium for Mac
You’re reading 9to5Mac — experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Don’t know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

Comments

Author

Avatar for Ben Lovejoy Ben Lovejoy

Ben Lovejoy is a British technology writer and EU Editor for 9to5Mac. He’s known for his op-eds and diary pieces, exploring his experience of Apple products over time, for a more rounded review. He also writes fiction, with two technothriller novels, a couple of SF shorts and a rom-com!


Ben Lovejoy's favorite gear

Manage push notifications

notification icon
We would like to show you notifications for the latest news and updates.
notification icon
You are subscribed to notifications
notification icon
We would like to show you notifications for the latest news and updates.
notification icon
You are subscribed to notifications